Why Do Garage Door Springs Break? (And Why You Should Care)
Picture this: you’re sipping coffee, mentally preparing for the day, when BANG!—your garage door sounds like it’s auditioning for a horror movie. Suddenly, your car is trapped, your schedule’s ruined, and you’re left wondering, “Why do garage door springs hate Mondays?” We’ve all been there. At Fixadoor Garage Doors in Etobicoke, we’ve seen springs snap in Toronto, Brampton, Ajax, and beyond. Let’s break down why these metal coils rebel—and how to avoid becoming their next victim.
H2: How Garage Door Springs Work (Spoiler: They’re the Unsung Heroes)
Garage door springs are like the gym buddies of your door system—they do all the heavy lifting. When you hit the button on your Chamberlain garage door opener, those springs absorb the weight (up to 200+ pounds!) so your motor doesn’t have to. There are two types:
- Torsion springs: Mounted above the door, twisting to generate force.
- Extension springs: Stretch along the tracks, common in older setups.
FYI, most modern homes in Oakville or Burlington use torsion springs because they’re safer and last longer. But even the toughest springs have a breaking point.
H2: The Top Reasons Garage Door Springs Break (It’s Not Personal)
H3: Metal Fatigue: The Silent Killer
Springs aren’t immortal. Every time you open/close your door, the metal coils endure stress. Over time, this causes microscopic cracks (metal fatigue). Most springs last 7–12 years—or 10,000 cycles. If your Wayne Dalton garage door is older than your teenager, those springs are on borrowed time.
H3: Rust & Corrosion: Ontario’s Worst Roommate
Humid summers, salty winters—hello, Toronto weather! Rust weakens springs, especially if they’re poorly lubricated. If your springs look like they’ve been dredged from Lake Ontario, it’s time for a replacement.
H3: Poor Installation (AKA “The DIY Disaster”)
Ever tried installing a Craftsman garage door opener yourself? Some projects are better left to pros. Incorrectly calibrated springs (too tight/loose) strain the system. We’ve fixed countless DIY mishaps in Markham and Richmond Hill.
H3: Wear and Tear: The Slow Burn
Daily use wears down springs, cables, and tracks. Ignoring routine garage door service? That’s like skipping oil changes—it’ll catch up.
H2: “Is My Spring Broken?” (Signs to Watch For)
- The door feels heavier than your post-pandemic gym guilt.
- Gaps in the coils (like a slinky that’s seen better days).
- Loud noises (think twang or snap).
- Uneven movement or a door that slams shut.
If you spot these, shut off your automatic garage opener and call a garage door technician. Seriously—broken springs are dangerous.
H2: Spring Repair vs. Replacement: What’s the Fix?
Repair: Rarely an option. Unlike replacing a garage door panel or track, springs usually need full replacement.
Replacement: The gold standard. At Fixadoor, we use durable springs rated for your door’s weight and size. Pro tip: Replace both springs even if one breaks—it’s like replacing both tires on your car.
| Spring Type | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Torsion Springs | 7–12 years | Heavy doors, modern systems |
| Extension Springs | 4–8 years | Lightweight doors, budgets |
H2: Why You Shouldn’t Play Hero (Leave It to the Pros)
We get it—garage door prices can make your wallet flinch. But springs are under massive tension. One wrong move and you’ve got a metal projectile. IMO, this isn’t the time to channel your inner Bob the Builder.
Our Fixadoor team in Etobicoke handles garage door spring replacements daily. We’re licensed, insured, and trained to work on everything from Wayne Dalton garage doors to Chamberlain openers. Plus, we service Toronto, Brampton, Burlington, Ajax, and Oakville.
H3: FAQs: Your Burning Questions, Answered
1. “Can I just replace one spring?”
Nope. If one fails, the other’s likely close behind. Replace both to avoid another headache (and service call).
2. “How much does spring replacement cost?”
Depends on spring type and labor. Expect $200–$400+ for torsion springs. Need a quote? Contact Fixadoor—we’re transparent with pricing.
3. “Can I prevent spring breaks?”
Sort of. Regular garage door service (lubrication, inspections) helps, but springs will die eventually. Think of them as printer ink—they’re consumables.
H2: When to Call Fixadoor Garage Doors (Hint: Now)
Whether you’re in Etobicoke eyeing a new garage door installation or in Mississauga with a busted spring, we’ve got your back. Our technicians handle:
- Garage door spring replacement (safely, quickly)
- Commercial garage door repair (yes, we do big doors too)
- Automatic garage opener installation (Chamberlain, Craftsman, you name it)
- Garage door cable replacement (because frayed cables are sketchy)
Next time your door groans like a teenager asked to clean their room, give us a shout. We’ll keep your garage—and sanity—intact. 🙂
Final Thought: Garage door springs are the VIPs of your setup. Treat them right, replace them wisely, and for the love of curb appeal, don’t ignore the warning signs. Need help? Fixadoor’s just a call away—because nobody deserves a garage door horror story.
